Pink-Ball Pioneers: Axar Patel and Others Among Rare Trio That belong to Elite Club of 10-Wicket Hauls

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It has been over nine years since Pink-ball Tests were introduced and it received pretty decent reviews from the fans. Played under lights with a pink ball designed to aid visibility in twilight and nighttime conditions, day-night Tests have posed serious challenges to batters.

It is cognizance of the fact that the pink ball tends to swing more than the traditional red ball, especially in the evening. Moreover, its harder surface often benefits the pacers. However, spinners have also fancied their chances as the ball softens and the pitch wears out.

For the record, only three bowlers have managed to achieve the remarkable feat of taking 10 wickets in a pink-ball Test. Here’s a closer look at their performances.

1. Axar Patel - 11/70 vs England in 2021

Axar Patel can take pride in the fact that he is the only Indian to have taken 10 wickets in a pink-ball Test match. The spin bowling all-rounder holds the record for taking the most wickets in a day-night Test match as well.

He achieved the feat against England in a Test match at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in 2021, he registered 6/38 in the first innings and followed it up with 5/32 in the second innings. He registered best match bowling figures of 11/70 in a pink ball Test match.

2. Pat Cummins - 10/62 vs Sri Lanka in 2019

Australian skipper Pat Cummins registered the second-best bowling figures in a pink-ball Test match. He achieved The feat against Sri Lanka in the day-night Pink-ball Test match in Brisbane in 2019.

He picked up 4 wickets in the first innings and followed it up with six more wickets in the second innings. Australia dominated the game and won by an innings and 40 runs. Pat Cummins was named a Man of the Match for his bowling figures of 10/62.

3. Devendra Bishoo - 10/174 vs Pakistan in 2016

Devendra Bishoo is one of the three bowlers who accomplished the feat of taking 10 wickets in a pink ball Test match. He picked up 10 wickets against Pakistan in the Pink-ball Test match in Dubai in 2016, which is also his first ten-wicket haul in Tests. Unfortunately, his bowling spell of 10/174 came in a losing cause as Pakistan won by 56 runs.